Hello everyone, This year is my first year doing trick or treat in Cambridge and my toddler want to do trick or treat but I’ve no idea where’s to go because our street (ELM ST) actually don’t look like a fun street to do it, I would like to get suggestions of which are the most iconic or fun street to do trick or treat ?

Thank you, Happy Halloween.

I realize that this is a long shot, but does anybody happen to have one spare ticket to this show at the Sinclair next month that they would be willing to sell? Please let me know if so! I learned about it way too late and somehow missed the initial announcements.

Hi! I’m looking for advice from folks who work at Harvard (faculty, professional staff, admin, or non-union staff) and live in Cambridge who have experience choosing between Harvard’s health insurance options for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

Ideally, I’d like to have a midwife throughout the process and, if possible, to give birth at a birthing center (I’ve heard good things about Mt Auburn). I’m also interested in coverage for genetic testing, lactation consulting, birthing classes, and postpartum pelvic floor therapy. I know each plan’s coverage depends on specific personal factors, but general experiences particularly with coverage would be still be helpful! it’s a bit overwhelming to sort through all the options!

In comparing plans we are leaning towards HPHC POS. We are currently on the Harvard University Group Health Plan since our medical needs have been few since I started at Harvard and we live in Cambridge walking distance to HUHS.

For those with experience choosing between these plans with pregnancy as a big decision point, which health plan did you choose, and how well did coverage support these preferences? I’d also love any tips on hospitals around or near Cambridge for pregnancy care, I mostly have heard Mt Auburn from people.

Thank you for sharing any insight or experience you may have!

Just narrowly avoided a bike vs. car on Cambridge St near Ellery. While I avoided a direct hit when the car took a blind left, crossing right in front of me in the bike lane, the braking I had to do instead led me to lose my bike, fly over the handlebars, and hit the pavement. As I'm new here, I'm wondering if there is a body that would want to know about incidents like this in the interest of bike/road safety reporting and advocacy.

The driver, naturally, drove away without stopping despite my shouting. Just trying to make the best of a bad day and do the right thing here. (And before you ask: I was in a protected bike lane, lights on, helmet on, wearing loud colors, going a reasonable speed, no stop sign or stop light for 200m in either direction--what else do you want?)

Full article (with pictures and charts) available here.

Summary

As this February 2023 article notes, the veterinary sedative xylazine ("tranq") is not only highly prevalent in Massachusetts relative to other states; it is also increasing at a more rapid pace here. The percentage of statewide fentanyl samples testing positive for xylazine, which as of early 2024 was a shockingly high 42% - one of the highest percentages in the nation - as well as the number of fatal ODs involving xylazine, are both still increasing in Massachusetts.

In terms of the distribution of xylazine within the state, as this May 2024 article explains, Western Massachusetts, including Springfield and Hampden County in particular, has been disproportionately hit by tranq because its rich network of interstate highways serves as a drug distribution hub for the rest of New England. In addition, data from state and national law enforcement agencies show that the Greater Boston area also has an elevated percentage of xylazine-containing fentanyl samples.

Note: Illicit drug users should be aware that fentanyl, and by extension xylazine, have been increasingly found as contaminants in cocaine, ecstasy / Molly, fake "Xanax" bars, and even marijuana; thus, buying street drugs other than dope / heroin carries the risk of unintended exposure to xylazine and fentanyl.

In the early 2000s, the veterinary anesthetic xylazine began to taint illegal drug supplies in Puerto Rico. From there, it spread to the East Coast of the United States, beginning in Philadelphia, where this so-called "tranq" dope attracted an ardent fan base.

At present, xylazine has been found in fentanyl and heroin samples from throughout the continental United States. It is most prevalent in the South and Northeast.

Drug Enforcement Agency statistics indicate that in 2022, 23% of seized fentanyl powder contained xylazine.

Fast Fact #1 - Xylazine is a Veterinary Tranquilizer

Xylazine belongs to a group of chemicals known as phenothiazines.

Significantly, this group of structurally related compounds also includes tricyclic antidepressants and the alpha-adrenergic agonist clonidine, a blood pressure regulator that is used to mitigate the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and anxiety caused by opioid withdrawal.

In veterinary medicine, xylazine is used as a surgical anesthetic for horses, rabbits, and other animals because it produces sedation, muscle relaxation, and analgesia (decreased pain).

Possible medical uses of xylazine for humans were investigated, but its side effects, particularly bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure), were judged to be too severe.

Fast Fact #2 - Xylazine Boosts the Effects of Fentanyl

The vast majority of the xylazine available in the United States is combined with fentanyl in so-called "tranq" dope.

When taken on its own, xylazine is unlikely to be particularly recreational.* However, when mixed with fentanyl, it increases the sedation, respiratory depression, and other effects of fentanyl.

*During college, I injected veterinary xylazine; trip report available here. In addition, I wrote about xylazine hitting the dope supply in my home city in Upstate New York here.

Mixing xylazine with fentanyl causes a "nod" that is much closer to anesthetized unconsciousness than to your average, in-and-out heroin or fentanyl high.

Fast Fact #3 - Xylazine Increases the Chance and Severity of Overdose

Because it increases the respiratory depression and low blood pressure caused by fentanyl, xylazine greatly increases the risk of OD.

Because xylazine is not an opioid, Narcan [naloxone] is not effective in reversing xylazine overdose. However, Narcan should still be administered in cases of suspected OD because the majority of xylazine in the U.S. is sold in combination with illicit fentanyl powder and pills.

There is no approved antidote or reversal agent for xylazine overdose; treatment consists of supportive care involving mechanical ventilation in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Fast Fact #4 - Xylazine Causes Skin Sores That Can Lead to Sepsis and Amputation

For reasons that are not yet understood, in some users, xylazine causes widespread skin lesions that appear 24 to 48 hours after first use.

These ulcers begin as pea- to penny-sized, semicircular lesions found on the arms, legs, face, and other areas (see pic below). They grow rapidly for as long as xylazine is ingested, and they have a tendency to become infected.

Infection of the ulcers can lead to sepsis, in which bacteria spread to the blood, causing multi-organ-system damage and death.

The rate of amputations is very high in xylazine users relative to users of fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit opioids not mixed with xylazine.

Once the user stops ingesting xylazine, the ulcers gradually disappear over a period of days to weeks (so long as infection is resolved and they are kept clean to promote healing).

However, the sores can cause significant, long-term scarring.

Important Note: These xylazine sores are not related to route of administration. They appear whether the xylazine is snorted, injected, or smoked.

Harm Reduction / Risk Mitigation Strategies

If you are using fentanyl in the United States in 2024, it is very likely that at least some of the dope that you are snorting or injecting contains xylazine.

It is imperative that you obtain test strips for xylazine, which are available for free from a variety of government divisions / agencies as well as nonprofit groups.

In New York State, for example, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) will send you xylazine test strips for free (order form here; Narcan [naloxone] and other harm reduction supplies are available as well).

If you have recently ingested what you believe to be tranq dope and have even a single sore anywhere on your body, you need to go to a doctor and obtain a broad-spectrum antibiotic immediately. It is quite possible that life and limb depend upon it.

Carpe Diem Before There Isn't Any Diem Left To Carpe

The wave of fatal xylazine-fentanyl overdoses that the U.S. is currently experiencing is reminiscent of the period in 2015-2016 when fentanyl began replacing heroin in the U.S. illicit opioid supply, as a result of which addicts were dropping like flies.

There has never been a better time to get clean and sober - while you still have all four limbs and haven't sustained severe brain damage from an OD!

Use the resources below to find a 12-Step meeting and / or an opioid maintenance treatment provider.

As always, feel free to use the "Contact" form or Instagram (concreteconfessional) to reach me with questions.

Buprenorphine and Methadone Provider Directories

Find a Sublocade treatment provider (injectable buprenorphine)

*Brixadi is another injectable formulation that you might want to look into

SAMSHA's Buprenorphine Treatment Practitioner Locator

*In certain states, you might be able to obtain buprenorphine by e-consultation. I recommend avoiding this whenever possible because A) these doctors tend to be more expensive, and B) I have heard about too much sketchiness tied to these providers. Very few ethical clinicians are willing to dole out buprenorphine without seeing you face-to-face and drug testing you randomly.

Zubsolv find a doctor (sublingual buprenorphine)

SAMHSA Opioid Treatment Program Directory

*Includes methadone clinic listings

12-Step Meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous [AA] and Narcotics Anonymous [NA])

Intherooms.com has daily, digital meetings at many different times and with many different foci / themes throughout the week.

The official meeting listings for your area are best found by Googling the nearest town or city or the name of the region that you live in plus "AA meetings" or "NA meetings" (so, I use the Syracuse AA Intergroup website and the Heart of New York page on the Northern NY NA site). 

Intherooms.com has a meeting directory, as well.

Alternatively, you can call your state's addiction treatment division for help finding 12-Step and SMART Recovery meetings.

In New York State, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) has a helpline that will help you to connect with treatment resources (1-877-8-HOPENY).

Stay safe and keep your heads up!

hello beautiful people of Cambridge!

I have a conundrum. I'm going to a show at the Middle East in November. However It's a Sunday night, so it's a little weird, but I'm excited. However, I'm usually starving post concert.

Where do y'all eat on the odd late night Sunday that won't absolutely crack the bank? I have no preference for food type, but I don't live on the T/busses so I'm gonna need somewhere where I and my friend can plop our butts for a bit.

Hey y’all! I have lived in Cambridge for almost 5 years now and have maybe killed a handful of spiders per spider season, however this year there have been so many?? I’ve spotted like 3-6 a day now in my room and living space and I’m wondering if that’s normal/what everyone else is experiencing? I’m have a genuine phobia of spiders (bad experience when I was younger featuring a ceiling covered in baby spiders and an adult crawling up my leg) and have been trying to be composed about it, but am starting to get twitchy ngl.

We are new to the Cambridge area and Massachusetts in general. Having come from California, we're kinda confused about what people with toddlers do during winters. I have a 3 yo and she's gonna be home for three weeks mid Nov to early dec and one of us will be wfh/entertaining her. We're looking for recommendations for play areas/classes etc in the area.Thank you!

Over the weekend I saw a group of people with a wagon giving out food and socks to folks in Central Square. Does anyone know the name of organizations doing this kind of work in Central and how to get involved as a volunteer? I'm not sure if it was a regular group, or a some sort of church organization, but they seemed to know everyone and were friendly with everyone hanging out. I didn't get a chance to stop and ask.

Hello! 26F looking for good nightlife options for me and my roommates!

Went out with some friends in Central last weekend and were pretty disappointed by how quiet it was! Does anyone have any recommendations for places that are reliably busy on a Saturday night, with music, dancing and a mid-20s crowd? All Cambridge and Boston West and North End are where we'd be looking to go, preferably with a 2am closing time.

(If anyone has recs on where to get a quality bagel and latte that would also be appreciated--trial and error is draining my bank account)

Does anyone know more about the filming happening in central square yesterday/today? I live close to one of the filming locations and got this on my door. Some people mentioned it could be “The Drama” with Robert Pattinson and Zendaya 👀 either way great place to film!

From UK-Based Psychedelic Alpha:

"Last week, the conversation surrounding Question 4 found its way back to what some may argue was the locus of the psychedelic revolution of old: the hallowed halls of Harvard University. 

Following a series of public debates between Yes and No on 4 representatives regarding the case for and against the initiative via local and state media just a few weeks ago (see Psychedelics Take Centre Stage in Massachusetts’ Local Media), The Harvard Crimson published an article on the ballot initiative that drew the ire of both campaign officials and medical professionals within the Harvard community. 

Also, included in the article is an update on the controversial local psychedelics group Bay Staters for Natural Medicine

"The latest controversy involving Davis and Bay Staters began on October 18th, when a post from Bay Staters’ account on Twitter claimed that “Harvard invited Bay Staters and [New Approach PAC] to debate next week”, but that “the pac [sic] backed out— as they have in the past...

In a series of emails obtained exclusively for reporting of this article, a leader of the student group who was tasked with organizing the debate wrote to Moffat directly to clarify that, “despite his claims online, James was never invited to the debate”, and that “his tweets misrepresented a lot of what actually happened.”

Club leaders believe that Davis contacted them because he was, “mad that he wasn't invited to participate in the debate between the two campaigns.” “It looks like he's becoming increasingly desperate to stay relevant ahead of the election”, they continued.

In response to Davis’ frustration, Bay Staters were extended an offer to speak to club members separately. According to club officials, Davis ultimately declined this invitation."

I don't mean to be alarmist, but I just heard about 3-4 very distinct and repercussive bang sounds about a block away from City Hall (edit: or two or three blocks, I don't live that close and it sounded further away). They didn't sound like fireworks or construction or any of the other usual gunshot complaints so I'm curious if anybody can explain it or if it was just an actual shooting

1847 menu from Brattle St Saloon. In what is currently Blue Stone Lane coffee.

We have a practically brand new LG dryer that is throwing flow sensor errors (D80, D90, D95) and not drying our clothes. It's in a newly built laundry closet and it's a tight fit. We haven't used it that much and the lint screen is functioning fine - so it's hard to believe that it's actually clogged. We had someone check it from outside to see if it was clogged by birds or something else, but it's clear. The dryer vent line is quite long because you have to pull the dryer so far from the outlet to get behind it for installation. Length and too many turns are often cited as causes of this problem. Thinking of installing the "MagVent" system, which allows you to push it back in place before connecting it and then the magnets make the connection.

Does anyone have any advice or know someone that can solve this?

Anyone know what’s being filmed by the Seven Stars Book store on Mass Ave in central square?

Did you get engaged in Cambridge on the walkway of one of the North Point Park Islands? If so I happened to be there and took some candids of the engagement (and then promptly forgot about them). I just got the "1 year ago" photo memories on my phone of them and thought I'd post them here just in case.

https://imgur.com/a/Skx19rZ

Hey all!

Do you have powdery mildew on your garden plants? I'm a local mycologist working on these fungi, and am interested in collecting some more before the season is well and truly over. If you don't mind me taking some to deposit in the fungus collection at Harvard, I can probably tell you what it is growing on your plants. I am particularly interested in getting the mildew on trumpet-creeper, but also on most other things! If you are interested, send me a message!